Who will be the first agricultural journalist to lift the new Rongo trophy?

For the first time, the winner of the Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award will lift a newly commissioned trophy, marking a significant milestone in the history of New Zealand’s premier agricultural journalism honour.

At its heart is a hand-woven kete, crafted from harakeke (New Zealand flax) by West Coast artist Anne Daniel.

Harakeke features prominently in the Guild’s new branding, symbolising the stories our members weave about New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

As one of New Zealand’s earliest major export products, it also reflects the deep roots of our primary industries.

"The kete reflects the role agricultural journalists play in gathering, weaving and sharing the stories that matter to New Zealand's food and fibre sector," says Guild chair Tim Fulton.

"This trophy celebrates excellence in our profession, while honouring the rich history of the Rongo Award and those who have helped shape agricultural journalism in New Zealand."

The trophy also honours that history, with the names of every Rongo winner since 1993 etched in gold on a plaque mounted on a rimu base.

Whose name will be added next?

The 2026 winner will be revealed at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards in Auckland tomorrow night.

Congratulations and best wishes to this year's Rongo finalists:
• Alexa Cook — RNZ
• Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace — Farmers Weekly
• Riley Kennedy — BusinessDesk